Social helicopter pilot group, Twirly Birds has announced the 2014 Les Morris Award Recipient as Mr. Roy Simmons. Mr. Simmons' contributions to the helicopter business began over fifty years ago as a U.S. Marine Corp aviator and later extended to a prestigious career with Columbia Helicopters that lasted 33 years after retiring as president of the company in 1999. The Les Morris Award signifies the pioneering spirit of Twirly Birds and the award is reserved for members that have made an exemplary contribution to the helicopter community over their lifetime.
Simmons was chief pilot, FAA pilot examiner, director of operations, vice president of flight operations, executive vice president, and finally succeeding Columbia's founder, Mr. Wes Lematta as president in 1992. Additionally, Mr. Simmons served as the Chairman of the Board of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) in 2004 after being a longtime board member of the organization.
Twirly Bird President, Mr. Steve Sullivan will present the Les Morris Award for lifetime achievement to Mr. Simmons during their annual meeting beginning at 1700 hours on 25 FEB 2014 in the Marriott Anaheim Marquis Ballroom Northeast. Joining Mr. Sullivan in presenting the award will be the Columbia Helicopters Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Nancy Lematta along with Mr. Michael Fahey, the company's Chief Financial Officer.
About Twirly Birds
Twirly Birds is an international organization founded in by pioneering pilots of helicopters and other vertical takeoff aircraft. The sole purpose of this nonprofit organization of individuals is to recognize and foster the fellowship of those brought together by the common bond of vertical flight and to facilitate the cordial exchange of experience and opinions as the helicopter and other vertical takeoff aircraft art progresses. For more information regarding the organization or membership categories and qualifications, please visit the Twirly Birds website at http://www.twirlybirds.org.
